Recommended Tracks Recommended Tracks: June 2015

[CAT5 9075]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best New Tracks: June 2015

Best New Tracks is a new series brought to you by MH's Official Reviewers (ORZ)! Every month we'll be recommending brand-new Japanese songs from the recently passed month, so stay tuned! Feel free to comment or discuss any of this month's picks and even offer your own as well!

Visual Kei

"Crepuscule" by Femme Fatale

Femme Fatale are a band I really don't have the best relationship with--for whatever reason I'm just not into Kaya nor anyone this entourage brings along. However, in spite of a lack-luster title track, "Voyage" brings us two incredible B-sides. This one in particular turns up the creepy and delivers an emotional roller coaster, seething with pent up rage. I'm all about songs where Kaya loses his shit, and his was flipped like pancakes. - @Peace Heavy mk II

"R-18" by ゴシップ (Gossip)

Without even trying to hide their GazettE worship, Gossip bring us more punky alt-rock goodness in their latest single which, based on the cover and trying to google search where they stole the name from, is about porn (r-18 standing for "restricted 18"). If you're into the wild, yet melodic, kind of music found in the mid-2000's, Gossip delivers here yet again. In this song, I like the mixture of traditional Japanese melodies with punk rock. Just make sure your mom doesn't find it! - @Peace Heavy mk II

"Imperial Concerto" by Kamijo

As a teaser for his soon-to-be-released album, Kamijo dropped a remake of the Lareine single "Imperial Concerto" a month early. While the melody of this song is the same as the original, the 2015 version provides a souped up orchestra and re-imagines the guitar lines throughout the whole song with a lot more shredding. The vocals have improved as well-- Kamijo packs more of a punch in his delivery without losing the frailty that made the original beautiful. - @Peace Heavy mk II

"身を知る雨 (Mi wo Shiru Ame)" by アルルカン(Arelquin)

After a somewhat lackluster album, beep-boop clown gods Arelquin had me feeling disappointed. However, they've more than redeemed themselves with this single. "身を知る雨" is a more melancholic track, featuring lower guitar ranges and ghastly synth betwixt the different sections of the song. On top of that, their trademark sing-song style of chorus returns and I am 105% here for it. It was seriously hard to choose between this song and very Splatoon-sounding "人形-ヒトガタ- (Hitogata)", but in the end, I went with this one. - @Peace Heavy mk II

"花占い (hana uranai)" by ザアザア (Xaa Xaa)

Young bands tend to wear their influences on their sleeves. And with Xaa Xaa I can hear a little bit of MERRY, or Plastic Tree, or sometimes it's LUNA SEA. But these are all great influences, so the blend is fantastic. They're like ingredients to a wonderful new mix. Of course, Xaa Xaa take all of these ingredients and sprinkle their own special sound on top which becomes more remarkable with each new release. This song is one of the best examples yet of all of their layers coming together in the form of a lovely ballad. -

"ヴァルプルギスの夜 (walpurgis no yoru)" by トキノキト (tokinokito)

Opening up a song with the carnival-y music box effect is always an easy way to get me interested in VK. Though the song has some shortcomings (gurl, those "harsh" vocals...), I'm always willing to give a new band a shot when they demonstrate some potential. The singer's clean vocals are pleasing and musically, the band seems like they could offer something decently fresh to the indies "neo VK" scene. - @fitear1590

"窃盗 (Settou)" by 少年記 (Shounenki)

This band seems to be really good at writing pop-rock songs. Every so often, they come out with something so catchy that I cannot help but wonder how I overlooked them for so long. 窃盗 (Settou) showcases Shounenki's ability to make vkei's version of pop-rock without being bland and mixes the correct amount of hooky melodies and tackiness to keep me coming back for more. I'm a huge sucker for their vocal polyphonies and I can only hope that they continue being the saviors of host-kei. - @Peace Heavy mk II

"終幕の芥 (shuumaku no akuta)" by 滅びの美学 或は、加虐偏愛者の調性の確立 (horobi no bigaku arui wa, kagyaku henaisha no chousei no kakuritsu)

I felt compelled to include this band, if only for science. How often does a VK band get inspiration from atmospheric black metal? Not to mention, one of the members has a sniper rifle. I'm not sure if this song is just a demo (so far, the song only appears to be available via their YouTube channel), but in all seriousness, the music is pretty intriguing. The calmer moments of off-kilter riffs slowly build up into a grim, sprawling mass that is nothing to sneeze at, coming from ostensibly newcomers to the scene. We may never again get dank forest kvlt sniper kei, so let's be grateful. - @fitear1590

Rock / Metal / Punk / Indie / Alt.

"Famous Day" by [Alexandros]

[Alexandros]'s latest single's title track is surely deserving of fame. Equipped with one hell of a catchy chorus with actual accurate Engrish as well as high vocalisation that changes tune just as much as Ling's very own vocal beast TK, [Alexandros] prove they're a rocking band to take more notice of. If you enjoy bands like ELLEGARDEN who really excel at Engrish lyrics, then I encourage you try [Alexandros] too! - @beni

"Core" by Aureole

Aureole just dropped their latest album "Spinal Reflex", and it's perhaps the most cohesive offering from a band that's consistently inconsistent - in a good way. The band is always trying new things and experimenting, but with "Core" they've stumbled upon a sound that works exceedingly well for them. The song is like a kaleidoscope of sounds, colorful and entrancing, with Daichi Mori's Thom Yorke-esque falsetto piercing straight through. It's a more straightforward approach compared to the band's post-rock tendencies of the past, but "Core" still holds an equal amount of depth with it's many layers and amorphous song structure. It's also the best song on the new album and a brilliant milestone along the band's ceaseless evolution. Be sure to check out the PV for "Core" ! - @CAT5

"泡と羊 (awa to hitsuji)" by back number

back number aren't as well known for their uptempo songs, but that doesn't mean they aren't just as good at them. I passed over "awa to hitsuji" at first, however, with each listen it got its catchy little hooks right into me and before I knew it I couldn't get the tune out of my head! This band writes great pop songs with Iyori Shimuzu's distinct vocal style making them instantly recognizable. Somehow he keeps even parts sweet and sour, bright and yet fully emotional, as the cornerstone in every back number tune. The results are always beautiful.  -

"スパイシーマドンナ (Spicy Madonna)" by BRADIO

One of my favorite songs off of BRADIO's new album is their latest , not to mention a total summer jam to boot. This song captures that fun-in-the-sun feeling perfectly with a strong hook and a big, bold, brass section at the heart of it. It's nearly impossible not to find yourself singing along! "Spicy Madonna" shows off a stronger pop side to the band which I think will help them grab the attention of a lot more fans. -

"悲しくなる前に (Kanashiku Naru Mae ni)" by indigo la End

Enon Kawashima is on a roll this year. I was initially very wary of his musical projects, but with his almost constant releases between indigo la End and ゲスの極み乙女。 (gesu no kiwami otome) these past few years, it seems like his prolific output is finally bearing fruit. I'd call it a fluke, but since I also recommended gesu's latest single last month, it's quickly become clear to me that Enon is just getting better, and is perhaps developing some sort of musical midas touch. His latest single with indigo la End (their first with the new line-up) is wonderfully pop oriented, but still maintains that indie feel and aesthetic. The hook is instantly catchy and certainly the main draw to the song, but there's also some infectious riffage and tight instrumentation to keep you on your toes. If this is where indigo la End is headed, then I'm excited to follow! - @CAT5

"! (amadare)" by Kidori Kidori

Kidori Kidori slow it down a bit on this track, trading in their cheery indie pop for something more laid-back. Guitarist/vocalist Mash really sounds his most natural here and the "choo choo" parts are catchy as hell. Meanwhile, the music plucks along at a leisurely pace. The ambiance of the song is perfect for a rainy, summer day--a phenomenon near and dear to my heart this season! - @fitear1590

"Synthese" by LOST IN TIME

"Synthese" is an encouraging tune that offers a poetic expansion on the Japanese proverb "fall seven times and stand up eight." So naturally the tone of the song is bright, thanks to a twinkly piano progression weaving along as the song builds up and up. The guitarwork and vocal melodies are straight forward but the simplicity is part of what makes the song great. It sends a strong message that doesn't need to be overly dressed up to strike all the right chords.  -

"ナイトダイビング (night diving)" by polly

Indie gold strikes once again this month with the rock band, polly. The smooth yet addicting ingrediants in this one work as a repetitive cycle throughout. It's a simplistic track, which only encourages it to become ingrained within yourself as you repeat the same tempo and lyrics as you go about your daily tasks. Once more, the true charm of this is really the vocalist's gentle, almost whispery vocals. This combination makes polly a band deserving more attention. - @beni

"Millions of Stones" by SiM

The concept of SiM's new single is laid out plainly. Angels and Devils; 2 tracks and 2 very different sides of the same band. The angelic side of this single may be the most accessible as the theme for Shingeki no Bahemut GENESIS, but this fiendish track packs the bigger punch. While many bands turn the major label corner and leave their heavier music behind, this single is proof SiM have no intentions of doing so. "Millions of Stones" sits right in SiM's trademark reggae-punk/metal mash-up sweet spot. And as an added bonus, fans of the Ramones get a nice little homage with the band cheering "Hey ho let's go!" during the verses.  -

"ナイトフライング (night flying)" by シナリオアート (Scenarioart)

While I still haven't warmed up to the full Happy Umbrella album, this opening track gives us more of what we've come to love from Scenarioart. The music is airy, cheerful and occasionally majestic, while guitarist Kousuke and drummer Kumiko provide their signature interweaving vocals. While I think the album may have overstepped its boundaries into cuteness territory, I think there is just enough balance on this track with their unique composition style that still makes it work. - @fitear1590

Pop / Idol / R&B / Hip-Hop

"僕たちは戦わない (Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai)" by AKB48

This single's main track has been on repeat ever since it was released. If you give the full PV a watch, you'll see why I was dragged in at first. Don't let the idol name fool you, they're pretty kickass in this one! Don't ask me how tiny young ladies managed to fend off a whole load of soldiers, though. The song itself doesn't really stand out until you give it enough spins I find. The tempo has a techno sound against the idol choir, and its beat breaks really shine in this epic song. The ups and downs of the track are really something to pay attention to, especially at mark 3:25. The visuals aren't the only assets to this song. AKB48 prove they're a force to be reckoned with. - @beni

"THE LIGHT" by Crystal Kay

For a mobile commercial song (Samsung Galaxy S6 / S6 edge), Kay slays it. It's her first release after three years staying quiet in the music scene. And what a treat it is to hear such perfection as soon as she comes back to us. Seeing as the majority of the song is sung in English, I prefer the English ver. as a whole. Don't be turned off by this fact though. You might've noticed that she isn't really Japanese. Kay was born by an African-American father and a Korean mother, and raised in Japan. With such a mixed bag in that way, her music isn't mixed at all. It's the highest kind of pop sound you can treat yourself with, and I cannot encourage you more to bathe in this luminous song. - @beni

"光追いかけて (Hikari Oikakete)" by FLOW

FLOW never fails in making flawless anime themes and here is yet another one. FLOW makes extremely splendid melodies accompanied with smooth rapping and silky vocals. The repetition of the chorus kicks in right away and instantly grabs you in for a ride you'll never want to get off of. The progression is as straight forward as any anime song (it's actually an image song to the Naruto live play), but it makes for familiarity and, somehow, FLOW always manages to make it catchy. - @beni

"BABY" by RYKEY

A rapper I can dig? Surely that's saying something! RYKEY is a new artist, whose debut album was released recently. He has released two PVs before bringing out his album 'PRITTY JONES', 'BABY' being the second of the two. 'BABY' is a smooth number with a chill tempo and even chiller rapping. I may not be a rap genius, but I can see star potential in RYKEY, so let's give him a small push for starters. - @beni

"music" by 三浦大知 (Daichi Miura)

What a chorus we have in this one! For an accomplished vocalist who has been praised many times for his vocals, I never gave Miura much of a chance. Finally giving in to all the love and acclaim for him, I randomly selected to choose 'music' for some reason we all can understand. And boy was I blown away and proved wrong. The repetition of claps being audible and Miura singing 'Baby, be my baby' makes you instantly join in throughout the rest of the track. It's a song you'll want to return to again and again. - @beni

"出逢いの続き (Deai no Tsuzuki)" by 渡辺麻友 (Mayu Watanabe)

You can't go wrong with another AKB48 related single in one month. Watanabe is part of AKB48's Team B and has released five solo singles including this one. Nicknamed lovingly by fans as Mayuyu (まゆゆ) and even Cyborg Idol/Cyborg Girl in the anime series 'AKB0048', her character is described as calculating and emotionless, putting on a bubbly and energetic personality when with others. Who knows if that's accurate, but indeed interesting. This was my first time listening to a solo AKB48 member and I must say I am impressed. Watanabe proves she can be fun and deliver a solid performance. The beat is cheerful but not too sunny, making for a track quite fitting to her supposed personality. A young idol member who can sing, act, AND put on a show! - @beni

"六月三日 (rokugatsu mikka)" by 近藤晃央 (Akihisa Kondo)

Ballad incoming! And it's a seriously gorgeous one at that. I must blame it on Kondo's vocals, but you just can't help getting teary eyed or at least emotional when you hear that voice. For a wedding song, its theme is of a happy occasion, but being a ballad, its got a bittersweet tone to it surely only ballads can convey. Once background vocals join in, it begins to set the image of a wedding, with bells going off with them. The chorus becomes quickly familiar to the ear and it's one of the main tracks I keep returning to. A true gem for its imaginative storytelling portrayal. - @beni

"Swallow Dive" by 降谷建志 (Kenji Furuya)

Opening with some appreciated Engrish, 'Swallow Dive' has the catchiest bridge of them all. The sudden thuds of guitar and drums make for a jumpy run up toward the chorus, and it's something that instantly caught my attention and love toward the single song. It has its etheral moments with hearty choir singing behind Furuya, but its tempo is overall a rocking song. It's exhilarating yet chill at the same time. - @beni

Electronic / Jazz / Other

"Sentimental Girls Violent Joke" by The Bilinda Butchers ft. Smany

While The Bilinda Butchers aren't Japanese, Smany and the band being covered (Number Girl) are! The original track and this collaboration are worlds apart and yet, the result is beautiful! Smany and these Californians have managed to craft a completely different atmosphere, recreating the indie rock jam as something soothing, ethereal, and slightly... tropical? Whatever it is, it's working wondrously inside these ear holes. Check out more of Smany's music on Soundcloud. - @fitear1590

"Ricoh Elemex" by Ventla

Ventla just dropped a new album, For Human Consumption. Fans of Ventla will know that he most often takes the (free) digital path, so this physical tape release is certainly a novelty. Out of 24 tracks, ranging from 1 to 2 minutes long, "Ricoh Elemex" is the standout, most effectively showcasing what Ventla's style is all about. It's a fun(ky), retro, instrumental tune that would have been welcome BGM to the video games we played in the 90s. - @fitear1590

"あなたを保つもの (Anata wo Tamotsu Mono)" by 坂本真綾 (Maaya Sakamoto) x コーネリアス (CORNELIUS)

When I heard that CORNELIUS would be collaborating with Maaya Sakamoto for theme of the latest Ghost in the Shell movie, I already knew we'd be in store for brilliance, and I was right. Cornelius is a modern electronic music god, and Sakamoto has performed some of the finest anime-related music ever made, so you can't get much better than that. CORNELIUS' musical interpretation of the GITS world is minimalistic, techno-laden and fittingly robotic - much colder and more sterile than Yoko Kanno's worldly, cinematic score done about a decade earlier. "あなたを保つもの (Anata wo Tamotsu Mono)" is nonetheless a perfect theme for GITS, though. CORNELIUS' production is simultaneously trippy and groovy, Sakamoto's delivery is almost mechanical, but her voice still resonates with a human warmth, and musically the song wavers back and forth from mysterious to familiar. It's the perfect song to represent the existential dualities of the GITS universe. - @CAT5

See you next month!

[yakihiko 1480]

None of my picks were chosen 8D

I will look for some full releases from which and @beni's picks (the users that I have more compatible music taste), and @fitear1590's Kidori Kidori that I was already looking forward to listen xD

About Alexandros, I personally like the tone of what the vocalist can get when singing, in special that song you listed here.

Famous Day was a song a do really enjoy from the album with others like Adventure and Boo.

"...even offer your own as well"

MUCC - 睡蓮

It was pretty hard to choose one, the mini is full of beauty songs.

The intro is something really epic that brings a weird, but good sensation.

And then comes Tatsuro with his amazing voice, cool boots and an almost 8 min song of massive quality. Miya also were able to make a perfect work with the electro part... All fits perfectly well.

Serious, I'm out of words for this guys with this mini.

NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST - PROVIDENCE

This new song coming from Nokubura is a bit different from what they are used to do, the rap part is something new to me together with this guys.

I really enjoyed what they were able to do here and mixing things.

I hope they can keep their own heavy style and this new too.

the LOTUS - Clarity

After their last release, Providence of Jesus, I thought they were not able to make a good song in the level of Causality, but they did it with Providence of LUV \o/

Their newest mini is great, and in my opinion Clarity was their best, with a possible keyboard and a mix of rhythms that reminds a lot of selfless love and LUCIS.

This song is increasing in my list of best's Lotus songs.

D.I.D. - Fatal Error Race (Demo ver)

I know this is still a demo, but it's almost finish..., I can't describe how excited I was for this to come, after so much time of delay due to Akane's health just made wanting it more and more. I had lost all my hopes for those guys, but after Tekede always saying to me that they would back and this keep me up.

So finally, Akane still have the deathly vocal tone from before his personal problems, and Tohma taking the place from Satoshi just making his own guitar skills increasing more and more, and it's surreal how Tekede can overcome my expectations when talking about his powerful drums skills.

[Duwang 676]

I'm happy to see 花占い made it on there since it's by far my favorite track on the mini and I've listened to it at least 100 times by now. Also glad to see other people agree [on the poll]. Xaa Xaa is fucking fantastic and well on their way to being one of my favorite bands.

[doombox 4421]

@fitear1590

I'm always happy to see your vk recommends. I hadn't gotten around to checking out tokinokito or horobi no bigaku yet. Both bands will be properly on my radar now. That horobi no bigaku song is so out of left field. I love it! 

If I had a little more time this month I wanted to write up something for Kidori Kidori too, I was so torn between the song you chose and "傘を閉じれば". So much goodness!

That Bilinda Butcher's song is also another interesting pick I'm really happy you opted to share. Not something I'm normally into but probably would have never have even heard about if you hadn't shared so thanks for that too.

 

@beni

Alexandros, polly, and FLOW! ♥ Super happy to see you post some of these guys. I totally forgot about polly's release but I liked this song a lot when I saw the video a while back. Glad you reminded me about them. 

But omg surprise with that Kenji Furuya song!! I've never heard of him before and he gives me some major K (PTP) vibes with his voice. ;3; Then I learn he's the vocalist from Dragon Ash?! So maybe K is the one who sounded like him... either way. Going and getting this single, as well as catching up with like 20 years of Dragon Ash music now. Goodbye world~~~ it's all beni's fault. XD

 

@CAT5

Love that Aureole song. I really enjoyed that album. I didn't comment on your review because it was just me basically nodding along with everything you said. I might have enjoyed it a little more because I'm not so familiar with their older work (I feel like I always say this? lol) but it's a strong album and I keep playing it so both thumbs up with this pick.

I'm also mad I'm behind on indigo la End because this song sounds great too! D;

 

 

None of my picks were chosen 8D
I will look for some full releases from which and @beni's picks (the users that I have more compatible music taste), and @fitear1590's Kidori Kidori that I was already looking forward to listen xD

About Alexandros, I personally like the tone of what the vocalist can get when singing, in special that song you listed here.
Famous Day was a song a do really enjoy from the album with others like Adventure and Boo.

MUCC - 睡蓮
It was pretty hard to choose one, the mini is full of beauty songs.
The intro is something really epic that brings a weird, but good sensation.
And then comes Tatsuro with his amazing voice, cool boots and an almost 8 min song of massive quality. Miya also were able to make a perfect work with the electro part... All fits perfectly well.
Serious, I'm out of words for this guys with this mini.

NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST - PROVIDENCE
This new song coming from Nokubura is a bit different from what they are used to do, the rap part is something new to me together with this guys.
I really enjoyed what they were able to do here and mixing things.
I hope they can keep their own heavy style and this new too.

the LOTUS - Clarity
After their last release, Providence of Jesus, I thought they were not able to make a good song in the level of Causality, but they did it with Providence of LUV \o/
Their newest mini is great, and in my opinion Clarity was their best, with a possible keyboard and a mix of rhythms that reminds a lot of selfless love and LUCIS.
This song is increasing in my list of best's Lotus songs.

D.I.D. - Fatal Error Race (Demo ver)
I know this is still a demo, but it's almost finish..., I can't describe how excited I was for this to come, after so much time of delay due to Akane's health just made wanting it more and more. I had lost all my hopes for those guys, but after Tekede always saying to me that they would back and this keep me up.
So finally, Akane still have the deathly vocal tone from before his personal problems, and Tohma taking the place from Satoshi just making his own guitar skills increasing more and more, and it's surreal how Tekede can overcome my expectations when talking about his powerful drums skills.

Hope you find some songs you like! Thanks for adding your own picks. 

I have some highs and lows with the new Mucc mini. I still like it, but it kind of feels like a step back for them in ways. Like this would have fit right in around their Kyutai era a few years back, but sounds strange coming from them now. If that makes any sense... >>; But I liked "Rendez-Vous" and "TONIGHT" the most.

I am happy you mentioned the LOTUS because I would have mentioned them again, but I did so too recently so I was hoping someone else would do it! lol. Nice mini from them.

 

 

I'm happy to see 花占い made it on there since it's by far my favorite track on the mini and I've listened to it at least 100 times by now. Also glad to see other people agree [on the poll]. Xaa Xaa is fucking fantastic and well on their way to being one of my favorite bands.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought so. I hope they keep up the great tunes. They're working their way up my list of favorites too. 

[yakihiko 1480]

, I thought you were adding Mucc, I was a bit surprise, like: "is this happening" xD

Rendez-Vous is really great, probably my second best. TONIGHT was the song I less enjoyed, the begin kind remind about Welcome to the Jungle from Guns and Roses.

the Lotus is always surprising me, in good or bad ways hahaha but hopefully they did it in a good way xD

[Yukimoto 1237]

Peace Heavy mk II

I have to agree with you on Femme Fatale. I have tried to get into them but I just haven't found much that I like by them but the new single Voyage I think was their best yet for thanks for highlighting that this month. I also must say that I thought the whole Arlequin single was very well done but I think they are pretty consistent with putting out good tunes every time they make something new so I wasn't to shocked by this being a hit for me. I think I would have a hard time picking the best track out of these but I'll go with your selection "Mi wo shiru Ame." For I think it exceeded the others on greatness.

 

ender-ender

I think Xaa-Xaa is a great band too I totally dig what they put out so I hope they keep up the good work with the new mini-album they put out soon. 

 

I guess I havn't heard many of the other genres this time around but I did hear the single by Daichi miura - beni. I still think that "It's the right time" the ending song of Parasite was his best yet. Don't know if you've heard it before but if you havn't you should check it out.

 

@yakihiko I think the whole Nocturnal Bloodlust - Providence was good. I especially enjoyed the the live tracks but I think "Ignist Heart" has to be my favorite as it is a slower song which is different from their more high paced songs but it's still great for being something different. I know they are always experimenting anyway and I usually enjoy everything they do, so Im overall happy about the outcome.

 

This is actually my first time trying out MUCC but I thought the whole mini-album was really good. i loved the title track but "rainbow" was my favorite, which most of the time for me is because the song itself is a good ballad. I'm usually a sucker for good ballads so yeah. But, I'm glad to have tried them out.

 

I guess this month I'll try to keep in mind what songs I like so I can better give recommendations for the next time. Until then thanks again everyone for your contribution

[eiheartx 1310]

Totally agree for AKB48. I'm not into them for differents reasons, but it appears that once in a while, they drop a bomb that I can't get out of my head (for my taste: Beginner, 風は吹いている, UZA, and now this one).

[fitear1590 2414]

@@Peace Heavy mk II
Agreed on Femme Fatale. I actually like the whole single, even the title track (to me, the chorus is lovely). And "Medeia" reminds me of an old HIZAKI/HIZAKI grace project track, in a good way!
Impressed with how different "Imperial Concerto" sounds from the original, so I'm looking forward to the full release.
I do have to say though, that Shounenki track was my least favorite from the single, just because every third or fourth new VK band has a song with the simple two-note guitar riff. I do like their vocalist a lot though!

 

@fitear1590

I'm always happy to see your vk recommends. I hadn't gotten around to checking out tokinokito or horobi no bigaku yet. Both bands will be properly on my radar now. That horobi no bigaku song is so out of left field. I love it! 

If I had a little more time this month I wanted to write up something for Kidori Kidori too, I was so torn between the song you chose and "傘を閉じれば". So much goodness!

That Bilinda Butcher's song is also another interesting pick I'm really happy you opted to share. Not something I'm normally into but probably would have never have even heard about if you hadn't shared so thanks for that too.

Yay, I'm glad you approve
Yeah, I knew I wanted to cover Kidori Kidori, but it took me a few listens to really figure which song was the highlight for me! I'm also really happy you dug the Bilinda Butchers x Smany track; I wouldn't have expected you to enjoy that one necessarily!

As far as your list, Xaa Xaa was a great surprise. I heard their first (?) mini but didn't realize they had ballads like this under their sleeves. Synthese also stood out to me and seems like something I should probably look into.

@@CAT5
You're spot-on about Enon. It seems like he's finally cracked the code with indigo la End and Gesu no kiwami otome lately. "夏夜のマジック" was my favorite from this single!
I never keep up with CORNELIUS' current stuff, but I'm a longtime Flipper's Guitar fanboy, so I gotta check him out whenever his releases pop up on these lists. This collab sounds absolutely gorgeous.

@@beni
Polly is nice. I'll have to check them out! Also, what are the odds that we would both have songs called "night ____ing" in the same month 0_o!
RYKEY was also pretty cool. I'm fairly picky about Asian hip hop as well!